BEATRICE – It’s known as a pocket park, and it stands in a downtown area of Beatrice where a condemned building was brought down.


Pioneer Place was dedicated Thursday, with a ribbon cutting at the space that features two outdoor shuffleboard courts, picnic area and benches, plantings and parking.


"Our group wanted to do something for our community that would stand the test of time. The thing that kept coming back time and time again.....what better way to do that than a park, of sorts. The other key point that our group really wanted to do is connect people of all ages."


NGage Executive Director Rachel Kreikemeier is a member of this year’s Beatrice Area Chamber Leadership Beatrice group, which came up with the idea for the park.  "We also thought it was fun and important and a unique way to take advantage of something that isn't exciting in your community, when you have to tear a building down. But, we can look at other examples that have happened throughout the community and a way to improve it.....and build upon something bad that had to happen, and turn it into something positive."


The project totaled $60,190…..with donations making up over $36,000 of the project and in-kind-contributions nearly $24,000. The City of Beatrice will be in charge of maintaining it.


Plans are to soon erect a sign at the park which recognizes business sponsors and donors of the park. There were about fifteen business, foundation, contracting and financial sponsors of the park and the project also tapped local grant funds and lodging tax revenue.